Puss in Boots movies in order
Puss in Boots Marathon

Why This Marathon is Worth It

The Puss in Boots franchise is so much more than just a comedic spin-off of Shrek. It's a full-fledged animated fantasy comedy with heart, action, fairytale twists, and unforgettable characters. It's got a stylish animation, a cat that wears boots, and a surprisingly emotional undertone, especially in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the perfect marathon for an evening (or weekend) of fairy tale adventure. Who can resist Antonio Banderas' Puss when he draws his sword and declares, "Fear me, if you dare"?

In this chronological viewing order, we begin with his origin and end with his most intense confrontation yet: facing Wagner Moura's Big Bad Wolf (Death), one of the most memorable antagonists in recent animation history. Between these films, you'll see how Puss and Kitty Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek) learn to trust each other, how fairy tale lore is cleverly rewritten, and how a magic wishing star turns everything upside down. Prepare for a binge with flair, epic sword fights, and a lot of heart. Let's do this!

Puss in Boots (2011)

We'll start at the beginning. Puss in Boots (2011) shows how our favorite hero got his reputation as a charming outlaw. You don't need to know anything about Donkey or Fiona from the other Shrek movies to enjoy this prequel. It's all about Puss in this one. Picture a Spanish sword-fighting cat, a plan to steal magic beans, and a rivalry with the cunning Kitty Softpaws. Plus, you'll love the hilarious criminal duo of Jack (Billy Bob Thornton) and Jill (Amy Sedaris). This film sets the tone with its flair, sword clashing, and unforgettable cat. For the observant viewer, there's a Guillermo del Toro cameo hidden in the voice cast. The film is packed with classic fairy tale references, but with a twist. It's pure DreamWorks fairy tale magic, but with a bit of a twist. This is great to get you going after your marathon.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

More than 10 years later, Puss is back in what might be his best film yet: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. It's a direct sequel, but it also feels like a fresh start. The animation style is stunning, with a comic book vibe, and the tone is mature, but still keeps its humor and charm. Here, the nine lives storyline is front and center: Puss has lost his last life, which makes him wonder about life's meaning and forces him to hurry. The film introduces a bunch of new characters, including the lovable Perrito (voiced by Harvey Guillén), the villainous Jack Horner (voiced by John Mulaney), and a different version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In this version, Florence Pugh plays Goldi, Olivia Colman is Mama Bear, Ray Winstone is Papa Bear, and Samson Kayo is Baby Bear. But the star of the show? The Last Wish wolf is definitely the bad guy, and he's a scary character with more to him than meets the eye. Plus, that whistle he's got is gonna be stuck in your head long after the movie's over.

The romance between Puss and Kitty gets a bit more depth here, too. The film talks about trust, regret, and second chances without getting overly sentimental. It's still a comedic fantasy action, but it's got heart. And if you thought you'd spotted all the Easter eggs, think again. This film is full of details that'll remind you of storybook worlds, references to the rest of the Shrek universe, and subtle nods to Puss in Boots video games and earlier adventures. A real tour de force in the animated adventure franchise.

Bonus: How does this fit within the Shrek universe?

For the die-hard fans: yes, Puss first appears in Shrek 2 (2004), and he also plays a role in Shrek the Third (2007) and Shrek Forever After (2010). But for a Puss in Boots movie marathon, we're sticking to his solo adventures. If you're into the whole Puss in Boots franchise and want to follow the order of the movies while checking out the broader fairy tale universe, you can mix in his Shrek appearances, but they're not necessary to understand The Last Wish. In fact, DreamWorks Animation has set up the solo films so that they're accessible to everyone, whether you're on a nostalgia trip or encountering these iconic boots and sword for the first time. And trust us: once Puss takes off his hat and opens his big eyes, you're hooked. Once more...

Tips for Your Perfect Puss in Boots Binge

Plan your movie night well. Both movies are fast-paced, so you can easily watch them in one evening with breaks for snacks or a quick chat about who the cutest side character is (we vote for Perrito). Make things cozy with extra blankets and maybe some themed snacks—like churros and hot chocolate.

And don't forget to put on some tunes. Both movies have awesome soundtracks, from flamenco vibes to intense orchestral pieces. And if you're really in the mood, check out the Puss in Boots video games or other content within the Shrek spin-off movies. This universe is bigger than you think, and there's plenty more where that came from. In short, whether you're watching for the first time or seeking a renewed appreciation, this Puss in Boots movie marathon is an absolute must. Two movies, one famous cat, and an adventure that will make you laugh and think. Get your popcorn ready, turn down the lights, and get ready for some magic.